Gemini 8
Gemini 8
Launch Date
March 16, 1966
Craft
Gemini
Status
Past
Crew
2
Gemini 8
Gemini 8
Launch Date
March 16, 1966
Craft
Gemini
Status
Past
Crew
2
Overview
This two-person mission marked the first time two spacecraft docked together in space and the first time a U.S. mission suffered an in-flight failure that threatened the lives of the crew. After successfully docking to the Agena target vehicle, one of the Gemini's thrusters became stuck on, throwing the capsule and Agena into a tumble. The crew performed an emergency undocking from the Agena and discovered the problem was with their capsule. Neil Armstrong barely regained manual control as he fought against passing out from the G-forces. The mission was immediately aborted and landed safely in the Pacific Ocean.
Crafts
Gemini
Gemini
Gemini was a two-person spacecraft designed to prove technologies and procedures for the Apollo lunar landings. Crews proved rendezvous and docking as well as transfer from one ship to another via spacewalk were possible. Gemini demonstrated that humans could live and work in space for the length of time needed for a lunar flight.